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Singapore’s Max Maeder soars to 3rd place in kitefoiling fleet after thrilling opening races at the Olympic Games

Gemma Iso
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Singapore’s Max Maeder soars to 3rd place in kitefoiling fleet after thrilling opening races at the Olympic Games

SINGAPORE: In an electrifying start to the Olympic Games, Singapore’s golden boy Maximilian Maeder has set the sails ablaze, securing a strong third place in the fleet rankings after an exhilarating series of four races.

The Olympic debutant, competing at the Marseille Marina, has already made a splash with eight net points under his belt, trailing closely behind Slovenia’s Toni Vodisek and Austria’s Valentin Bontus.

Singapore’s Maximilian Maeder

Maeder’s journey began with a solid fifth-place finish, followed by a triumphant victory in the second race. He maintained his momentum with a second-place finish in the third race, only to encounter a setback in the fourth, where he failed to finish.

As the competition heats up, with up to 16 fleet races scheduled from Saturday to Wednesday for the kite-foilers, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. The low-point system, similar to sailing, keeps the athletes on their toes, with each finishing position translating into points.

The top two athletes will sail directly into the final, while the third to tenth-placed kite-foilers will battle it out in the semi-finals for a chance to secure the remaining spots in the finale.

The final promises to be a nail-biter, with athletes needing three race wins to clinch the gold. However, the leader of the opening series starts with two wins in their pocket, needing just one more to secure the top prize.

The runner-up will require two wins, while the semi-finalists must secure all three.

Maeder’s journey to the Olympics has been nothing short of spectacular. In May, he successfully defended his kitefoiling world title, and last August, he shone brightly at the Sailing World Championships in the Netherlands, winning gold in the men’s kite event.

His winning streak continued with five consecutive victories, including the men’s title at the Formula Kite European Championships in March.

As Maeder continues his quest for Olympic glory, the eyes of the world are on this young talent, eager to see if he can harness the wind and ride it to the top of the podium.

Good news! 4 long public holiday weekends in Singapore next year — MOM releases SG PH dates for 2025

Mary Alavanza
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Good news! 4 long public holiday weekends in Singapore next year — MOM releases SG PH dates for 2025

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released Singapore’s public holiday dates in 2025, with four long, fun weekends to look forward to!

Channel News Asia reported that employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to an extra day’s salary at the basic pay rate in addition to their gross pay rate for that day, according to MOM.

Employers and employees may mutually agree to swap a public holiday for another working day.

In addition, employers can also grant time-off-in-lieu for working on a public holiday. This is based on a mutually agreed number of hours and applies to workmen earning over S$4,500 per month, non-workmen earning over S$2,600 per month, and all managers and executives.

Public holidays that fall on a Monday:

  • March 31: Hari Raya Puasa
  • May 12: Vesak Day
  • Oct 20: Deepavali

Public holidays that fall on a Friday:

  • April 18: Good Friday

Other public holidays in 2025:

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day
  • Jan 29 and 30: Chinese New Year
  • May 1: Labour Day
  • June 7: Hari Raya Haji
  • Aug 9: National Day
  • Dec 25: Christmas

Enjoy! /TISG

Featured image by Depositphotos

PUB to replace 47 diesel vehicles with electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions in S$5M deal

Mary Alavanza
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0
PUB to replace 47 diesel vehicles with electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions in S$5M deal

SINGAPORE: PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, is set to replace its diesel-powered vehicles with electric ones.

PUB awarded contracts for 47 electric vehicles (EVs) to two subsidiaries of the multi-brand motor group Cycle & Carriage (C&C) in July. Valued at S$4.96 million, the new fleet will include vans and pickup trucks.

These EVs will be used in PUB’s daily operations, such as quick responses to flash floods, water quality sampling, and delivering water during disruptions.

According to The Straits Times, Ridzuan Ismail, PUB’s chief sustainability officer, said the new EVs will replace 47 internal combustion engine vehicles in 2025. This move follows the successful pilot of six EVs in 2021.

He said, “This initiative is in line with Singapore’s vision to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles and have all vehicles run on cleaner energy by 2040.”

The shift to EVs is part of PUB’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions. In its 2022 sustainability report, the agency outlined plans to progressively replace 70 diesel-powered vehicles by 2024 with suitable EV models. Currently, PUB operates nearly 180 vehicles.

Mr Ridzuan emphasised the need for EVs to meet PUB’s specific operational needs, considering factors like vehicle range and battery life.

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) confirmed that starting in 2023, all new public sector vehicles must be clean-energy models with no tailpipe emissions.

This is part of the Government’s GreenGov.SG initiative launched in 2021. Although hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are an alternative, they are not yet widely available.

Statutory boards will transition to EVs when their current vehicles’ certificates of entitlement expire or when vehicles are due for replacement. The MOT noted that the number of government fleet vehicles converted to EVs is still low but is expected to rise.

The requirement was introduced in the public sector’s 2023 financial year, which started in April 2023.

According to the ministry, the same clean-energy requirement applies to other types of public sector vehicles, such as trucks, although feasibility depends on the availability and cost of suitable EV models.

Motor dealers offer various goods-carrying electric vans from brands like BYD, Citroen, and Mercedes-Benz. However, there are fewer options for light commercial vehicles like minibuses and small refrigerated trucks.

For PUB’s contract, only three of the eight participating parties submitted bids to supply electric double-cabin vehicles or pickup trucks, according to information from the Government’s procurement portal GeBiz.

Ultimately, Cycle & Carriage Automotive secured the contract for 14 double-cabin pickup trucks, seven vans for goods and passengers, and one high-roof van. In addition, Cycle & Carriage Industries will also provide 25 electric vans.

One of PUB’s new EVs is the Maxus T90 EV Electric pickup truck. This 5.4m vehicle with a loading bed can travel up to 330 km before recharging. Anticipating increased interest in EVs, C&C opened an electric commercial vehicle hub in Ubi on July 10. /TISG

Read also: Singapore to waive EV charger registration fee for short-term use

Featured image by Depositphotos

Tropical cyclone formations in Southeast Asia gets intensified by climate change—Study

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Tropical cyclone formations in Southeast Asia gets intensified by climate change—Study

SINGAPORE: A study co-led by researchers from Rowan University in the US, NTU Singapore, and the University of Pennsylvania has unveiled significant changes in tropical cyclone patterns in Southeast Asia, revealing that tropical cyclones in the region are now forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and persisting longer over land.

This shift, attributed to climate change, poses an unprecedented threat to millions living in coastal areas.

The study, which analyzed over 64,000 modelled storms from the 19th century through the end of the 21st century, underscores a troubling trend: tropical cyclones increasingly develop near coastal regions and move more slowly once they land.

This behaviour significantly heightens the risks for cities such as Hai Phong, Yangon, and Bangkok, which may face longer-lasting and more severe storms than previously experienced.

Tropical cyclones, characterized by powerful rotating winds and heavy rainfall, typically form over warm ocean waters in the tropical zone. These storms thrive on the heat and moisture these waters provide, and recent warming trends exacerbate their intensity and longevity.

The study’s findings suggest that as ocean temperatures rise, cyclones can draw more energy from the increasingly warm waters, leading to stronger and more persistent storms.

The research is notable for its comprehensive approach, incorporating data from various climate models to trace cyclone patterns across three centuries.

This marks the first time such a broad historical perspective has been applied to understanding changes in tropical cyclone behaviour in Southeast Asia.

The study is part of NTU Singapore’s S$50 million Climate Transformation Programme (CTP), an interdisciplinary initiative hosted by its Earth Observatory of Singapore and funded by Singapore’s Ministry of Education.

The CTP’s goal is to advance climate research, foster innovative solutions, and prepare future leaders to address the challenges of climate change, thereby ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for Southeast Asia. /TISG

Rare snap of crocodile hunting a Malayan water monitor lizard in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve captivates Singaporeans

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Rare snap of crocodile hunting a Malayan water monitor lizard in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve captivates Singaporeans

SINGAPORE: Wildlife photographer and conservationist Bernard Seah captured a crocodile hunting at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in a rare and striking display of nature.

Marking the first time Seah has witnessed such a scene in his more than ten years of working in the industry, the snaps have gone viral, captivating Singaporeans online.

Mr Seah, who frequently documents wildlife and posts his photographs on social media, uploaded the high-resolution photos to the Facebook group Sungei Buloh Nature Park Network Flora & Fauna.

The images show a crocodile floating in the water; its jaws clamped firmly around the belly of a small Malayan Water Monitor Lizard.

In his post, Mr Seah described the encounter occurred on 29 July, noting that while crocodiles primarily feed on fish, they are not exclusively piscivorous. “Yesterday, I witnessed a crocodile holding a small Malayan Water Monitor Lizard in its mouth,” he wrote.

Based on his observations, Mr Seah speculated that the crocodile was about one year old, indicating that the lizard was relatively small.

FB/Bernard Seah

In a subsequent post, Mr Seah provided further details and photographs, showing the crocodile nearly finishing its meal. He mentioned that the crocodile’s size aligns with what researchers classify as a “big baby.”

The photos have garnered significant attention and praise from wildlife enthusiasts and ordinary Singaporeans alike, who appreciated Mr Seah’s ability to capture such a rare and powerful moment.

Alongside the images, Mr Seah shared a link to the Our Wild Neighbours website, offering guidance on safety precautions when encountering crocodiles.

The website advises that in habitats where crocodiles are present, individuals should avoid entering the water, stick to designated paths, and maintain a safe distance from the water’s edge.

If in nearby waters, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Upon spotting a crocodile, one should stay calm and slowly back away, avoiding any actions that might provoke or feed the animal. /TISG

Read also: Crocodile spotted at Sg Buloh, curious hikers got ‘too close’

Girls’ Generation members celebrate their group’s 17th anniversary with photo & video highlights

Lydia Koh
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Girls’ Generation members celebrate their group’s 17th anniversary with photo & video highlights

Girls’ Generation, also known as SNSD, reunited to celebrate their 17th debut anniversary. The South Korean girl group, formed by SM Entertainment, consists of eight members: Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun.

The group marked the occasion by sharing group photos and videos on Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @yoona__lim

On Aug 5, the group celebrated their milestone anniversary. YoonA captioned her post, “Girls’ Generation 17th Debut Anniversary,” while Tiffany simply wrote, “seventeen.” Although Sunny couldn’t attend, her bandmates humorously edited her into their group photo.

Seohyun wrote, “Please pardon the shoddy editing, hehe,” as the description for her photo. “Sunny’s given name is Soonkyu, and unnie will always be in our hearts,” she added.

Anniversary celebration

Sooyoung posted, “Happy Birthday, Fani & Girls’ Generation & SONE [Girls’ Generation’s fan club],” and humorously noted, “Seohyun has decided to use informal speech with me starting today.” She added, “Soonkyu, I miss you.”

Hyoyeon thanked their fans, “Thank you to SONE for always being together with us,” while Yuri celebrated with, “17th-anniversary self-celebration. Girls’ Generation and SONE, happy anniversary.”

Videos were also recorded by Taeyeon, YoonA, Yuri, and Hyoyeon for the celebration.

Girls’ Generation debuted on Aug 5, 2007, originally as a nine-member group until Jessica’s departure in September 2014. They have earned numerous awards and are known as The Nation’s Girl Group in South Korea.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SEOHYUN (@seojuhyun_s)

Known for electropop and bubblegum pop genres, their music also features R&B, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. Billboard named them the Best K-pop Girl Group of the Past Decade in 2017.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hyoyeon Kim (@hyoyeon_x_x)

Hit songs

They made history as the first Asian girl group to have five music videos surpassing 100 million views on YouTube, including hits like Gee and I Got a Boy. Their 2009 single, Gee, was titled Song of the Decade by MelOn and significantly boosted the global recognition of K-pop.

Singapore busker Bryan Wong assaulted by stranger while performing in Covent Garden, London

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Singapore busker Bryan Wong assaulted by stranger while performing in Covent Garden, London

SINGAPORE: One of Singapore’s most prominent and prolific buskers, Bryan Wong, has been assaulted by a stranger in an unprovoked attack while he was performing in Covent Garden, London.

Although the incident occurred on July 23, videos capturing the incident and Mr Wong’s response are going viral online.

@brylights

The audience was really supportive of me though so that was really nice 🥹 Missing Singapore but I’m learning a lot here 😊 #fyp #foryoupage #fypsg #foryoupagesg #sgfyp #singapore #sgarts #sg #sgtiktok #tiktoksg #tiktoksg🇸🇬 #fypsingapore #fypsingapore🇸🇬 #sgcircus #circussg #circus #sgarts #artssg #cyrwheel #buskers #sgbuskers #busking #sgbusking #sgperformingarts #performingartssg #sgartist #artistsofsg #cirque #cirquedusoleil

♬ original sound – Brylights – Brylights

Mr Wong, a full-time street performer known for his acrobatic acts using props such as wheels and rings, was in the middle of his performance when the attack occurred.

A TikTok video he posted shows that he had placed his props on the ground, surrounded by spectators. The footage shows Mr Wong and a man in a grey shirt standing face to face when the man suddenly punched Mr Wong in the abdomen with his left hand.

Despite the sudden assault, Mr Wong immediately grabbed the assailant’s hand to prevent him from leaving. However, he quickly let go and advised the man to calm down. Although he initially considered terminating the performance, Mr Wong chose to complete it.

The following day, Mr Wong posted another video on TikTok explaining the events that led to the attack. He revealed that the assailant had interrupted his performance twice—once at the beginning and again in the middle.

Mr Wong attempted to ignore the disruptions, but the assailant persisted, eventually kicking props and hitting Mr Wong.

The viral videos have raised concerns among netizens about the lack of immediate assistance for Mr Wong. In his second video, Mr Wong clarified that the sudden nature of the incident left his friends and the audience in shock, rendering them unable to react promptly.

He explained that his friends only learned of the attack after the assailant had left, and the audience was too frightened to intervene.

@brylights

Replying to @who’s who Quick update! #fyp #foryoupage #fypsg #foryoupagesg #sgfyp #singapore #sgarts #sg #sgtiktok #tiktoksg #fypsingapore #fypsingapore🇸🇬 #foryoupagesingapore #tiktoksg🇸🇬 #sgcircus #circussg #circus #sgarts #artssg #cyrwheel #buskers #sgbuskers #busking #sgbusking #sgperformingarts #performingartssg #sgartist #artistsofsg #cirque #cirquedusoleil

♬ original sound – Brylights – Brylights

When asked why he did not fight back, Mr Wong said he not only represents himself but also all the street performers in Covent Garden to some extent, so if he retaliates, it will not be good for him or for them.

Despite the unpleasant experience, Mr Wong assured his followers that he was unharmed, though he expressed regret over the presence of children during the incident, fearing it might have a negative impact on them.

Mr Wong also vowed not to let the assault deter him from his dream of performing. He said, “I came to Covent Garden to become a better busker and bring better performances back to Singapore,” Mr Wong stated. “I have to focus on improving myself,” he added.

The videos documenting the incident and Mr Wong’s response have garnered significant attention online. The initial video has been viewed over 1 million times, while the follow-up video has been viewed more than 60,000 times.

Many viewers have praised Mr Wong for his composed and dignified handling of the situation. /TISG

Jung So Min in “Love Next Door” new rom-com drama is seen giving presentation in an outfit reminiscent of Steve Jobs

Lydia Koh
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0
Jung So Min in “Love Next Door” new rom-com drama is seen giving presentation in an outfit reminiscent of Steve Jobs
New stills for the drama “Love Next Door” starring Jung So Min have been revealed; it will air on tvN soon.

“Love Next Door” is a romantic comedy about Bae Seok Ryu (played by Jung So Min), a woman trying to restart her troubled life, and Choi Seung Hyo (played by Jung Hae In), her mom’s friend’s son, who represents a dark chapter in her life.

The drama is directed by Yoo Je Won and written by Shin Ha Eun, known for their work on “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.”

Flawless career path

The newly released stills showcase Bae Seok Ryu during the prime of her life when everything seems perfect. She graduated with excellent grades from a prestigious university in the United States, joined a global conglomerate, and has followed a flawless career path.

One still image highlights Bae Seok Ryu confidently leading an important company presentation, her eyes shining with determination and poise.

“[Bae Seok Ryu] is a character who, while running on the path of success implicitly set by society, starts to feel disillusioned with that life due to certain events and seeks her own path,” Jung So Min said about her personality.

According to her, she too feels overwhelmed by life sometimes but she is learning to live in her own way and pace. For this reason, she was forced to feel sorry for Seok Ryu and wanted to help her.

“Love Next Door” will make its debut on Aug 17 at 9:20 pm KST.

Diverse roles

Jung So Min is a talented South Korean actress known for her diverse roles and charming personality. She started her acting career in 2010 and has since gained significant domestic and international popularity. She was born on March 16, 1989, and her real name is Kim Yoon Ji.

She is known for her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from quirky and cute to strong and independent.

Jung So Min is often described as bubbly, friendly and down-to-earth. She can effortlessly transition between different genres and character types. Many viewers find her characters relatable and endearing. She has excellent on-screen chemistry with her co-stars.

Singapore faces potential threat from undersea volcanoes—new research reveals

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Singapore faces potential threat from undersea volcanoes—new research reveals

SINGAPORE: A recent study has revealed that Singapore is not entirely immune to the effects of undersea volcanic activity, suggesting that rare but potentially catastrophic events could impact the island nation.

The research, led by Dr Andrea Verolino from Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Earth Observatory of Singapore, examined 466 lesser-known undersea volcanoes and seamounts across Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Published in the Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences journal in April, the study utilized a range of data sources, including published datasets and detailed sea-floor topography, to map these submerged geological features.

The findings indicate that a significant eruption of a large, dormant underwater volcano in the South China Sea could generate tsunami waves capable of reaching Singapore’s coastlines.

Dr Verolino highlighted that volcanic ash from such an eruption could potentially travel towards Singapore, blanketing the area with fine ash similar to the effects seen with land-based volcano eruptions.

Lava flows and volcanic rock avalanches could also pose a threat to crucial undersea cables in the region. These cables are vital for global internet connectivity and financial transactions, and damage to them could lead to significant disruptions.

“Singapore can be affected too because these cables are thousands of kilometres long, and Singapore has some of the main subsea cables and landing sites in Southeast Asia,” Dr Verolino explained.

The study points to a need for increased awareness and preparedness regarding the potential impacts of undersea volcanic activity on the environment and technological infrastructure in Singapore. /TISG

Expert says HDB resale prices could climb even further, forecasting 7-8% growth in 2024

Jewel Stolarchuk
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0
Expert says HDB resale prices could climb even further, forecasting 7-8% growth in 2024

SINGAPORE: Property consultancy OrangeTee has adjusted its forecast for HDB resale prices in 2024, predicting an increase of 7% to 8%.

This latest outlook is based on a continued strong demand for resale flats, coupled with positive economic indicators and growing consumer confidence.

According to OrangeTee, the buoyant performance of the HDB resale market is primarily driven by the ongoing positive economic growth and enhanced hiring conditions, which have bolstered consumer sentiment.

As a result, demand for resale flats is expected to remain robust throughout the remainder of the year. The consultancy also noted that the upcoming release of new flats in October is unlikely to exert a significant impact on the resale market.

The new flats, mostly categorized as Plus flats, will come with a 10-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) and stricter resale conditions, limiting their immediate effect on the resale market.

However, OrangeTee highlighted that certain resale flats might still benefit from the new Build-To-Order (BTO) sales launch.

This is due to the increased awareness and interest in areas surrounding the new developments, as well as the shorter five-year MOP associated with these new flats.

Recent months have indicated a noticeable trend of million-dollar HDB resale flats, sparking concerns about affordability, particularly for Singaporeans already dealing with a high cost of living.

While the growth in high-value resale flats points to the strength and attractiveness of the public housing sector, it also raises questions about accessibility for average buyers.

The rising prices could potentially exacerbate affordability issues, creating challenges for prospective homeowners navigating the current housing landscape.

Overall, while the outlook for HDB resale prices remains positive, the dynamic between high-value properties and overall market accessibility continues to be a critical aspect for both buyers and policymakers to consider. /TISG

Featured image by Deposit Photos

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